Kashmiri leaders welcome new Pakistan Prime Minister

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE

NEW DELHI, March 26 : Kashmiri leaders while welcoming the swearing in of Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani as Prime Minister of Pakistan hoped the restoration of democracy in Pakistan would usher in an era of peace in the region and it could also guarantee a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference said that well-being of people of the region depends on stability in Pakistan. The settlement of Kashmir issue according to wishes of Kashmiris would give guarantee of peace in the region.
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister of occupied Kashmir said it was a positive development for the growth of democracy in Pakistan. “This would also end the uncertainty prevailing in Pakistan for the last one year, which had also slowed down the dialogue process with India,” he observed. “With an elected government in place in Pakistan, I’m hopeful that it will work towards consolidation of the peace process initiated by the two countries four years ago,” he said
The UPA government headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh, he said was committed to promoting warm and cordial relations with Pakistan and its initiatives taken during the past four years had facilitated closer people-to-people ties and improvement in bilateral relations.
Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, patron of People’s Democratic Party said the stabilisation of the democratic and political institutions in Pakistan has rejuvenated the hope for a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue. “With the political situation evolving positively in Pakistan, I see hope in the air and promise in the environment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Mufti said the peace process has provided a sound foundation of mutual trust and confidence between both the countries. The emerging situation is ripe for taking major initiatives for the peaceful and ultimate settlement of the issue, media reports quoting him said.